Ricky Ponting reached the landmark of 24,000 first-class runs and gave Surrey hope of a draw against Nottinghamshire.

Last Updated: 10/07/13 10:03pm

Ricky Ponting: Passed 24,000 first class runs

Ponting, needing 19 runs to reach the milestone and shared in an unbeaten third-wicket partnership of 97 with Arun Harinath.

The former Australian Test captain batted for a little more than two hours for 41 runs as Surrey - with eight second innings wickets intact - cut the deficit to 26 and took the match into its final day as the hosts ended day three on 186-2.

Samit Patel made 110 off 200 balls as the visitors posted a total of 410.

But with Ponting playing 'though shalt not pass' and Harinath dropping anchor for 71 overs for an undefeated 69 in 188 deliveries, Surrey boosted their slender chances of avoiding defeat.

Needing 212 to make Nottinghamshire bat again, the Surrey openers combined for 70 in 22 overs before Rory Burns, who made 38, had his off stump removed by Andre Adams.

Vikram Solanki pulled a rare full toss from Patel for six. But shortly before tea Solanki was run out for 11 following an horrendous mix-up with Harinath, who had pushed Harry Gurney into the leg-side.

Ponting, applauded to the crease by the Nottinghamshire players, dabbed Ajmal Shahzad down to third man for four to bring the hundred up for Surrey.

After reaching the landmark of 24,000 first-class runs with a cut single to the sweeper on the cover boundary, Ponting used his feet and drove Patel through mid-off for four.

The penultimate over of the day saw the former Australia captain pull and glance successive boundaries off Gurney, though not before Harinath had despatched David Hussey through midwicket for four.